Suspect who fled Kalispell Police given deferred sentence

An alleged drunk driver who led Kalispell Police officers on a chase last year that ended near the entrance of Logan Health Medical Center received a deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court in November.

After initially pleading not guilty to a felony charge of criminal endangerment and misdemeanor count of aggravated driving under the influence, first offense, Aaron Clay King, 44, took a plea deal in October. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend he receive a deferred sentence on the former charge and dismiss the misdemeanor. 

Judge Robert Allison stuck to the terms of the arrangement at King’s Nov. 16 sentencing, giving him a three-year deferred sentence for criminal endangerment with credit for three days of time served. He also ordered King to pay $1,500 in court fines and fees. 

The March 8, 2023 chase began after Kalispell Police officers spotted a Chevrolet pickup traveling on U.S. 93 without headlights or taillights and attempted a traffic stop, court document said. The pickup’s driver, later identified as King, allegedly took off, going into a ditch and later driving the wrong way near the intersection of U.S. 93 and North Meridian Road. He struck a Ford F350 while evading officers, court documents alleged.

King later ran a red light at the intersection of Sunnyview Lane before coming to a stop after driving over a sidewalk near the medical center’s entrance, according to court documents. 

Pursuing officers described King as giving off the odor of an alcoholic beverage and struggling to keep his balance. He also spoke with slurred speech and boasted red, glossy eyes, court documents said. 

King eventually agreed to give a breath sample, which returned at .187, according to court documents.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.